The next event in the palace’s programme presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample court life in the early 17th century.

Before James I got to grips with the assembled clerics of the Hampton Court Confer-ence to produce the King James Bible, lavish entertainment was arranged for the court between Christmas 1603 and New Year 1604.

Among the performers was a certain William Shake-speare, one of the King’s men providing dramatic entertainment.

Now, 400 years later, the palace’s Great Hall, where the bard performed, will be the venue for productions of three of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, performed by the Globe Theatre Company.

The plays are popular favourites and form the Globe’s new season, under the romantic heading: Season of Star-crossed Lovers.

The theatre on the South Bank began its season with Romeo & Juliet. It is the first time the company, led by artistic director Mark Rylance, has performed the play since the reconstructed Globe Theatre was opened in 1997.

The first production of Romeo & Juliet at Hampton Court opens on July 6. All three plays will be “original practices” productions, exploring the clothing, music, dance and settings from Shakespeare’s time.

The casting has been less traditional, particularly with Much Ado About Nothing, which is performed by an all-female cast headed by Yolanda Vasquez playing Beatrice. The production follows the success of all female stagings of Richard III and The Taming of the Shrew.

Mark Rylance described the chance to perform at Hampton Court as “a unique and thrilling opportunity”.

“I am delighted that the Globe Theatre Company has been invited to perform in the magnificent setting of Hampton Court Palace’s Great Hall,” he said.

The King’s men often travelled between The Globe and the playing halls at Whitehall, Richmond and Hampton Court.

“Thanks to the care and imagination of Historic Royal Palaces, which conserves Hampton Court Palace, we can all explore together a true original playing space of Shakespeare’s day.”

Performances of Romeo & Juliet run from July 6 until Sunday July 11. Much Ado About Nothing runs from July 13 until 18, with another performance on July 20. There will be matinee performances each Thursday and Sunday.

Measure for Measure runs from July 21 until July 24, with a matinee on the last day.

Tickets are £15 for standing, £35, £50 and £60. Call the box office on 0870 890 5500 or visit www.seetickets.com